Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Rebirth: Joanna Lumley believes she was killed in the First World War

Joanna Lumley says she does not fear death, thanks to her strong belief in reincarnation.

She has even claimed she 'might have been a boy in the First World War' during a visit to a battle site.

The actress said she 'recognises places' from visits in her previous lives, adding that an 'immense calm' she felt in Ypres, Belgium, led her to believe she may have fought there as a young soldier.

She also said she feels 'tremendous' and 'very positive' about her own death.

She said: 'I don't think anybody should be scared of dying.'

In an interview, Lumley told a Sunday magazine: 'I have been here before.

'I recognise places. When I visited Ypres I felt an immense calm.

'I think I might have been a boy in the First World War.'

The 66-year-old former Bond girl, best known for her portrayal of louche fashion director Patsy in the sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, was born and raised in India and the Far East before becoming an actress.

Her opinions on death reflect the philosophy of the regions where she spent her formative years. 'Be no more afraid of dying than you are of going to sleep,' she said.

'Every day is a pattern. You are born in the morning, you live through the day and when you put your head on the pillow that is your death.'

Hailed as a 'Nepalese national treasure' for her campaign for immigration rights for Gurkhas who have fought for Britain, Kashmir-born Miss Lumley has enjoyed a glittering four-decade acting career.

The former model turned Bond girl has starred in 30 movies and over 40 television shows, and is the proud recipient of three Baftas and an OBE.